Sé Catedral de Viana do Castelo

Sé Catedral de Viana do Castelo - Wikimedia Commons / Pedro Nuno

Although the variety of routes that make up the Camino de Santiago offers us the possibility of getting to know Spain in depth, both inland and on the coast, it also allows us to visit other countries such as France and Portugal. The latter is part of the Portuguese Way, where we can visit cities such as Viana do Castelo and its peculiar cathedral before entering the Galician community. 

A church with Gothic influence converted into a cathedral

Viana do Castelo is an obligatory stop for all those pilgrims who begin the Portuguese Way in the neighbouring country and even a starting point of this route. In addition to the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia, located on the outskirts of the city, the historic centre of the city hides real gems such as the Sé Catedral of Viana do Castelo. 

This is a main church built in the first half of the 15th century that became a cathedral when Pope Paul VI authorised the creation of the diocese of Viana do Castelo in 1977. At first, it was dedicated to the Divine Saviour and later to Santa Maria Maggiore.

Its style is transitional Romanesque, but with a clear Gothic and Galician influence. It is considered a fortress church, as it has two large crenellated towers that remind us of Tui Cathedral. For its part, the sculptural ensemble of the portico is Portuguese Gothic, although it is considered a rather peculiar work. 

The interior is made up of three naves and contains chapels in very different styles. The Santísimo chapel has a gilded altarpiece, the Condes de Tamarindo chapel is in the Manueline style and the Mareantes chapel is in the Rococo style. There is also a sacristy with Baroque decoration.

As a curiosity, this place suffered two major fires, one in 1656 and the other in 1809. The latter caused the church to be abandoned for almost 30 years, until in 1835, after the original roof was replaced, it resumed its normal activity.